Medaille Magazine Winter 2022 by Medaille University

WINTER 2022

T H E MAG A Z I N E F O R A LU M N I & F R I E N D S O F M E DA I L L E CO L L E G E

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MEET OUR NEW TRUSTEES

The Medaille College Board of Trustees elects leaders with a vision for the future.

A JOURNEY, NOT A CHECKBOX

Medaille continues to prioritize open dialogue & implementation of DEI initiatives.

One-of-a-kind scholarship provides life-changing opportunities to parents of first-gen graduates.

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Managing Editor & Writer PAT R I C I A R . J E T T Y ’ 1 3 Design & Production H A N N A H TAY L O R

WINTER 2022

Contributing Writer TA R A E R W I N

T H E MAG A Z I N E F O R A LU M N I & F R I E N D S O F M E DA I L L E CO L L E G E

Empowered

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Medaille welcomes a new vice president for academic affairs & full-time faculty members.

Medaille’s commitment to student-athletes and their success is second to none.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement D AV I D C . G R E E N M A N

MEET NEW VPAA & FACULTY

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M A G A Z I N E

MAVERICKS ATHLETICS

FIRST-GEN PAYBACK SCHOLARSHIP

GLOBAL IMPACT

International studies major Mohamed Maalim strives to help immigrant & refugee communities.

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

Help more Medaille students become the catalysts for change they are destined to be.

ENTREPRENEURIAL HUSTLE

MBA alumnus Dr. Clement Kwakye ’13 is driven to create a brighter future.

#MEDAILLECONGRATS

The latest alumni class notes recognize the life achievements of empowered leaders.

on the cover

As demonstrated in the success stories throughout this magazine, thousands of Medaille students, alumni and faculty members make a substantial difference each day through their work and community involvement. These empowered individuals serve as leaders in their companies, industries, communities and beyond. Satellite Earth imagery provided by NASA.gov.

stay connected

Update your contact info to stay connected with our #MedailleFamily at medaille.edu/connect. Points of Pride, Medaille’s monthly e-newsletter, provides you with up-to-date information regarding upcoming events, campus news and alumni offerings.

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/medaillealumni

Visit medaille.edu for more information about the programs, people and events at Medaille College.

MEDAILLE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2021-22 Officers

Michael K. Walsh Chair Michael J. Moley ’07 Vice Chair L. Nathan Hare ’82 Secretary Kenneth D. Trbovich ’99 Treasurer Bryan Krempa ’00, ’06* President of the Alumni Association Board Michelle M. Kreib* Administrative Assistant Thomas Beauford Jr. Laura Cianflone Kevin R. Connolly ’03 Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Martin T. Griffith Dr. Kenneth M. Macur Martin G. Maynard Scott L. McFarland Judge James A.W. McLeod Brandye Merriweather ’07 Rev. Darius G. Pridgen ’07 Dr. Jeffrey M. Shepard ’04 Birgit Smith Burton ’89 Julie R. Snyder Dale Stephens ’99, ’06 Thomas G. Strauss Donald R. Tomasulo ’79 Gregory J. Urban Toni L. Vazquez ’02 Morgan Williams-Bryant ’06 *Non-voting member ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-22

Bryan Krempa ’00, ’06 President Leonard Hubbard ’09, ’12 Vice President Shawn Loos ’10, ’12 Parliamentarian

l et t e r f r om th e

President As always, it is a great day to be a Maverick! A while back, we secured the phone number 716-SUCCESS as a direct dial to our admissions team. Now, I am so excited to share an entire magazine full of success stories celebrating our Medaille family. Each day, I am amazed by our students and alumni, and their outstanding stories of success. Years back, the College made a commitment to focus strategic initiatives around our mission to “educate and develop empowered individuals for academic achievement, career success and civic engagement.” This wording was very deliberate. We are not empowering anyone, because we see people as already empowered. Power is internal, given at birth. Education is simply a powerful tool that can help each of us learn, recognize and develop that power, and it is remarkable to see that process play out in the journeys of so many students and alumni. Speaking of success, we have been successful in recruiting a wonderfully diverse group of new members for our Board of Trustees, as well as a wonderfully diverse group of new faculty and staff. We have also successfully recruited two talented, experienced individuals to serve as our new vice president for academic affairs and vice president for institutional advancement, in addition to promoting an amazing colleague to vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion. As always, we are continuing to refine and develop new academic programs, and by the time you read this, Phase II of the Medaille Sports Complex will be complete. The expansion includes home fields for baseball and softball, an additional softball diamond, dugouts, batting cages, press boxes and a second multipurpose turf field for field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Save March 22 to come see our women’s softball team in its home opener on the new field! Also in 2021, we announced new scholarship plans to help even more students afford a Medaille education. The American Rescue Plan Scholarship will help make college more accessible for up to 50 students across New York State each year. And, did I mention that, with the exception of Canadian education students, we have moved back to our original modality of teaching for all on-campus courses? Kudos to our students, faculty and staff for working so diligently to get us back to … dare I say, “normal”? We owe so much of our success to you, the readers of this magazine and members of our Medaille family. Thank you so much for everything you have done and everything you continue to do. I cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish together moving forward!

Richard Schneider ’10, ’12 Immediate Past President Sam Bloomberg ’17, ’18 Ryan Collins ’19 Shannon Johnson ’12 Bethann Kibby ’06 Natalie Sleap ’19 Phil Splawski ’06 Adriana Viverette ’12 Lists updated October 2021.

Dr. Kenneth M. Macur, President LET ’S STAY CONNECTED! FOLLOW ME ON LINKEDIN (KEN MACUR) AND TWITTER (@KENMACUR).

For a list of donors who made gifts during our 2020-21 fiscal year, please visit medaille.edu/donors.

The Medaille community congratulates Dr. Macur on being elected chair of the Committee on Policy Analysis & Public Relations for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and serving in this leadership role on NAICU’s Executive Committee for the 2021-22 academic year. He has been a board member for NAICU since 2019, and represents private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues nationally.

Leaders With a

Vision Thomas Beauford Jr.

Scott L. McFarland

Thomas Beauford Jr. has over 20 years of vast strategic leadership experience in private industry and community board service. He currently serves as president and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, having been appointed to lead the historical civil rights, social justice and community empowerment organization in 2020. Prior to that, he served as a vice president at M&T Bank in Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs.

Scott L. McFarland is a retired plumbing and heating contractor from Lancaster, New York, who now resides in North Port, Florida. As a philanthropist and scholarship donor, McFarland has taken great pride in helping students achieve their goals at Medaille College. He is enjoying his retirement, the Florida weather, travel and wood craftsmanship.

Martin T. Griffith Martin T. Griffith has over 30 years of experience in banking. Previously serving as president for BankOnBuffalo, Griffith was recently promoted to chief of community banking for CNB Financial Corporation, BankOnBuffalo’s Pennsylvania-based parent company. His volunteerism includes serving as a foundation board member for both St. Mary’s School for the Deaf and Mercy Hospital, and as a member of the Regional Advisory Board for the Small Business Administration. 4

for the

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Judge James A.W. McLeod Buffalo City Court Judge James A.W. McLeod’s vast legal career includes becoming the first African American attorney to head the Buffalo Legal Aid Bureau Public Defender Office and to serve as Erie County’s Second Assistant County Attorney. His past and present legal affiliations include the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Western New York Thurgood Marshall Organization, New York State Bar Association and the Erie County Bar Association, where he was the first African American to serve as the Association Treasurer. Judge McLeod’s community leadership affiliations include the Black Leadership Forum, NAACP, Buffalo Urban League, Western New York Foundation, YMCA, Kaleida Health and Oracle Charter School.

Future Brandye Merriweather ’07

Birgit Smith Burton ’89

Brandye Merriweather ’07 serves as president of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation. She is the first African American woman to lead an economic development agency in Western New York, and is overseeing several initiatives to further Buffalo’s resurgence. Merriweather is a member of the 2014 class of Leadership Buffalo, a recipient of a 2016 Black Achiever’s Award and was one of the 2018 International Downtown Association’s Emerging Leader Fellows. She was also named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region. She is a Medaille alumna, having earned her MBA from the College in 2007.

Birgit Smith Burton ’89 is a respected leader in the fundraising profession who has raised more than $500 million during her 33year career, most recently serving as the executive director of foundation relations at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a well-regarded author and speaker on fundraising and diversity, and serves as chair-elect on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Smith Burton is a Medaille alumna, having earned her bachelor’s degree in media communications from the College in 1989.

THE MEDAILLE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES elected seven new members throughout 2021. After a unanimous vote of all board members, Thomas Beauford Jr., Martin T. Griffith, Scott L. McFarland, Judge James A.W. McLeod, Brandye Merriweather ’07, Birgit Smith Burton ’89 and Thomas G. Strauss will serve four-year terms as trustees from 2021 to 2025. The Medaille community is honored to welcome these dedicated leaders and thanks them for their service on behalf of our students.

Thomas G. Strauss Thomas G. Strauss is a highly effective executive leader and business partner who has over 20 years of CFO experience leading public, private and private equity owned companies. His experience spans multilocation international manufacturing (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, industrial equipment) and distribution (safety equipment, paper products) companies, including Fortune 500 and small to medium-sized organizations.

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ajourney N O T

C H E C K B O X

Medaille Continues to Prioritize Open Dialogue, Community Partnerships & Implementation of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives

As an institution of higher learning, Medaille College is committed to being part of the solution in educating civicminded, empowered individuals for a better tomorrow. Acknowledging the disparities and gaps that exist for Black people and other minorities in this country and in our own community, Medaille is dedicated to listening, learning and creating the space for progress to be made.

Hobbs was promoted to this new VP position, and he is leading the College in developing, coordinating and strategizing with internal and external stakeholders to design, implement and assess a comprehensive strategy for institutional transformation. Hobbs has begun overseeing the development of new policies, initiatives and programs across several departments, divisions and units of the College.

Making diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) an institutional priority, not just in theory but in action, the College has made progress in many initiatives since the last discussion in the fall 2020 Medaille magazine. The process of internal evaluation has also brought more to light over the last year.

“It brings me great joy to join the leadership team in serving to advance the mission of the College,” says Hobbs. “I am excited to work with my colleagues to continue to develop an environment that promotes a sense of belonging, invests in diversity and implements equitable practices in all that we do.”

Given that fact and in recognizing that DEI efforts are a continual journey and not a one-time checkbox, Medaille has added the position of vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion as a permanent role and voice joining the senior leadership team on the President’s Cabinet. Former Director of Diversity & Inclusion Kenya K.

Hobbs, who is a Certified Diversity Professional through the National Diversity Council and is certified in standards of professional practice for chief diversity officers from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, serves as the founding chair of the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity Equity and Inclusion. He

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

also currently co-chairs the Minority Faculty & Staff Council at Medaille. Taking strides to expand hiring pools and recruitment practices, the Minority Faculty & Staff Council has been heavily involved in the interview and hiring processes for vice president positions over the past year, and forming diverse search committees for other open faculty and staff positions has been a campuswide priority. “If we always do what we have always done, then we will always get what we have always gotten,” says Hobbs. “We have been thinking and acting strategically to expand our reach and not get stuck within our own spheres of influence.” The results have been that nearly 30% of new full-time faculty and staff hires within 2021 have represented racial minorities. Thanks to similar expanded recruitment practices on the Board of Trustees side, 57% of new trustees represent minorities. “Having representation in leadership and among faculty and staff is an essential consideration,” says Medaille College

an effort to create a safe space on campus and help end the stigma surrounding mental health, the College is asking students, faculty and staff to take the Pledge to End Stigma. The pledge helps each person learn how they can help raise awareness to change public perceptions and create a new dialogue around mental health and treatment. “We are committed to embracing all types of diversity and creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone,” says Dr. Macur. “Partnering with the Erie County AntiStigma Coalition is another opportunity for us to communicate the importance of promoting healthy perspectives on mental health, and Medaille is honored to assist in advancing this important initiative that impacts so many people.”

Additionally, to continue amplifying student voices and provide students a platform to share feedback without fear of negative repercussions, the series of “Black Voices Matter” open forums will continue in 2022, giving students a direct opportunity to speak candidly in front of Dr. Macur and Hobbs. Student-initiated organizations, like the Black Student Union, the Multicultural Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance, have also provided students the opportunity to get involved and be a part of raising awareness and creating change on campus. In considering another key area of inclusion, Medaille is also proud to have recently joined the membership of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition. In

“Taken together, our College community has made strides this past year,” says Hobbs. “However, we know there is still work to be done in changing our corner of the world. It is a continual learning process and a journey we are taking together one step at a time, fueled by awareness, empathy and determination to create a brighter, more equitable future.”

Another continued local partnership is Medaille’s working relationship with Open Buffalo, a nonprofit organization that strives to advance racial, economic and ecological justice through skill building, network-connecting and leadership opportunities. To strengthen community engagement and advocacy outreach, Medaille and Open Buffalo are working collaboratively on a number of initiatives, including community forums and workshops hosted on campus. Medaille also hosted Open Buffalo’s Emerging Leaders Program on campus this past summer, with 14 participants taking part in the four-month program, which fits so well into Medaille’s mission of contributing to a healthy, diverse democracy. The 2021 class of emerging leaders worked in small groups and engaged in skill-building projects throughout the city that focused on developing their community building, movement building and advocacy abilities, in addition to strengthening their research analysis and campaign implementation capacity.

Kenya K. Hobbs, photographed by Naomi R. Deer

President Kenneth M. Macur, Ph.D. “Our students deserve to feel like their needs, journeys and challenges are being represented and considered in decisions made by the College. Credit is due to our faculty and staff who have worked diligently to continue to expand our search and hiring processes, and we intend to keep making progress in that regard moving forward.”

learning partner for the College’s pending master’s degree program in social justice and equity studies.

Moving forward, Medaille plans to work with Open Buffalo as a community-based

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Welcome TO O U R ME DA I L L E FA M I LY

The College is pleased to have welcomed a new vice president for academic affairs in 2021, along with several new faculty members. They have had such a positive impact on our campus community already! The following individuals are just some of these remarkable new Mavericks.

CARMEN R. WILSON, PH.D. V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R AC A D E M I C A F FA I R S Prior to joining Medaille, Carmen R. Wilson, Ph.D., served for over three years as the provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. Before that, she was the campus executive officer and dean of the University of Wisconsin-Rock County in Janesville, Wisconsin. Dr. Wilson began her career as a psychology professor, and has held several leadership roles throughout her higher education tenure. She holds a doctorate degree in counseling psychology from Iowa State University. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking vegan food, playing music with her husband and engaging in fitness activities.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: I value people and supporting the extraordinary work they do to create a supportive campus community. I value humility, and recognize the expertise of others. When I make a mistake, I apologize and work to remedy it. I value work-life balance. Our families are important; we are important, and we need to take care of both.

Something I Am Passionate About: Building community and a sense of belonging for all who learn and work at Medaille.

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Do not plan your life too rigidly. If someone offers you an opportunity or suggests you might try a new role, be careful about turning it down. Failure is not the end of the journey, but rather a valuable part of it.

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CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY

Julie Baker, Ph.D., who previously served as a half-time faculty member at Medaille before being promoted to full-time status, completed her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, with a focus in behavioral neuroscience and neuropsychology. Dr. Baker’s professional expertise and research includes focuses on trauma and stress responses, interpersonal functioning difficulties and socioemotional well-being. She has presented at a variety of international and national conferences. My Values and How They Inform My Career: Compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard for others are core values that have propelled my career of helping others. I also value self-development, and aim to keep advancing my knowledge, skills and experiences. Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about teaching and research focusing on etiological factors associated with clinical presentations or disorders, particularly from a brainbehavior perspective, because they hold implications for improved quality of life and treatment efficacy for those affected. Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Remember, success is a process that is best supported by your perspective, your peers, your faculty and your perseverance. Help build each other up and forward! 10

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HUGH BURNAM, M.S.

ORLANDO DICKSON, J.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE IN HUMANITIES

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Hugh Burnam, M.S., (Hode'hnyahä:dye') is Mohawk, Wolf Clan from the Onondaga Nation. He is a Ph.D. candidate in the cultural foundations of education program at Syracuse University. In his research, Burnam is interested in decolonizing the fabric of Western thought across borders and space through a critical examination of Indigenous time, histories and futurisms.

Orlando Dickson, J.D., is a father, a U.S. Army veteran and a lawyer. He was born in Chicago, raised in Las Vegas and graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Law. He is on the board of directors for Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and he mentors youth in the city through Say Yes to Education’s Breaking Barriers Program.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: I value family and community. Both have helped me to persevere in my education and career. Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about critical Indigenous education. Through this passion, I seek to challenge Western imperialism in the United States, Canada and other colonizer states. Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Be intentional about noticing your body in moments of high stress. Also, breathe. It is a life-giving action.

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My Values and How They Inform My Career: Two values that inform my career are sacrifice and balance. Sacrifice what you want now to make sure you get what you want in the future, while making sure your life does not fall apart. Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about social justice. You will often find me at rallies, marches, protests and anything else supporting the age-old notion of justice for all. Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Do not look at failure as a negative experience. Instead, look at failure as an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.

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JULIE BAKER, PH.D.

Do not look at failure as a negative experience. Instead, look at failure as an opportunity to become a better version of yourself. — ORLANDO DICKSON, J.D.

FEYISSA GADISSA GELALCHA, PH.D.

JENNIFER HARTMAN, M.S.ED.

CASEY THOMAS JAKUBOWSKI, PH.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION

Feyissa Gadissa Gelalcha, Ph.D., is a native of Ethiopia. He earned his doctorate degree in chemistry from the Martin– Luther University Halle–Wittenberg in Germany, and did postdoctoral research at the universities of Wuerzburg, Bern in Switzerland, as well as Leipzig University and the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis in Germany, before moving to Texas in 2007. Prior to joining Medaille, he taught chemistry at several universities in Texas and, most recently, at the former Hiwassee College in Tennessee as tenuretrack assistant professor of chemistry. His research interests are in the areas of stereoselective organic synthesis, catalysis and heterocycles, and he has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and research presentations.

Jennifer Hartman, M.S.Ed., has been a teacher in early and elementary education settings, for both general education and special education, since 2008. In addition to her time in the classroom, she has spent 14 summers serving as a camp counselor and lifeguard at Cradle Beach Camp, working with at-risk youth and individuals with disabilities. She is currently working on her doctorate degree in curriculum, instruction and the science of learning at the University at Buffalo.

After a 20-year career in K-12 education, state policy and leadership, Casey Thomas Jakubowski, Ph.D., has written two books, Thinking About Teaching and A Cog in the Machine, published by EduMatch Publishing. A native of Hamburg, New York, he is active in international, national, regional, state and local scholarship, with a focus on social studies education and rural education policy.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: I value human rights, justice, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of different opinions. I wish the relative peace I take for granted in America was also available to people in my country of birth and elsewhere on the planet. Something I Am Passionate About: Beyond science, I like sports without being a sportsman myself, running being my favorite game to watch.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: I believe that growth, in all areas of life, is always possible and should always be sought after.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: As an Eagle Scout, I take my responsibilities as an educator seriously. I believe in helping every person reach their potential!

Something I Am Passionate About: I love the Buffalo community! It has been my lifelong goal to teach at the college level, and I am thrilled to be here at Medaille!

Something I Am Passionate About: I believe that we must make educators, policy makers and citizens understand the local, place-based strengths of their communities.

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Enjoy your time at Medaille, and take advantage of all the opportunities and resources available to you within this chapter of life.

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Be a MAVERICK! Be bold. Be ready to do great acts through small gestures. We need leaders and engaged citizens.

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: The road to success may be long and frustrating at times. Do not be distracted by the small bumps along your way. Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

TARA ONEACHTAIN, M.S.ED., LVT, CPHT

ALLISON O’TOOLE, D.V.M., ’06, ’08

GAUTAM SARKAR, PH.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY & ONLINE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY

Allison O’Toole, D.V.M.,’06, ’08 earned her veterinary technology and biology undergraduate degrees from Medaille, and her doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.) degree from St. George’s University. Throughout her career, she has worked in shelter medicine, emergency medicine and general practice. She currently works in veterinary general practice and does relief in emergency medicine.

Born and raised in India through high school, Gautam Sarkar, Ph.D., moved to the United States as an undergraduate student on an international student scholarship. Conducting research with biomaterial in graduate school led him to pursue medical school afterwards. While family events forced him to discontinue medical school, he was then able to begin his college teaching career.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: I work hard and try to bring real-life examples into the classroom to help students learn.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: Teaching is one of the best ways to learn. Research and laboratory work are some of the best ways to invent and discover ideas learned. This is what keeps me motivated in my teaching and research profession.

Tara ONeachtain, M.S.Ed., LVT, CPhT, has been an educator for several years, teaching in both on-campus and distance learning programs. She loves to travel and has lived in a variety of places, including Alaska and Ireland, before family and friends brought her to Western New York. My Values and How They Inform My Career: As a veterinary technician and an educator, integrity, respect, caring and compassion are all part of what guide me every day. They are at the core of what we do. Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with future veterinary technicians. I am committed to making a difference and seeing students succeed in their education.

Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about teaching the next generation of veterinary professionals. Whether they go on to vet school or become veterinary technicians, they are my future colleagues.

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Connect and communicate with your classmates and instructors. Making connections leads to building relationships and will help you succeed!

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Work hard and soak in as much information as you can during college, but understand that learning is a lifelong process.

Be passionate about your dreams.

The world is your oyster! — HARLEEN SINGH, PH.D.

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Something I Am Passionate About: I believe there is no single way of learning for all. Identifying the various ways people learn fascinates me. Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: While smart-working techniques may be a good substitute for hard-working techniques at times, there is no shortcut in learning.

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ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION

Harleen Singh, Ph.D., is passionate about science, teaching and research. She worked as a middle school science teacher and a high school physics and chemistry teacher before completing her doctorate in science education from the University of Georgia. Dr. Singh’s academic preparation in engineering, education and education technology, combined with her experience, have helped her develop skills in pedagogy. My Values and How They Inform My Career: I am a lifelong learner, and have endeavored to challenge myself to grow and better myself personally and professionally. Consequently, I have kept myself updated with research-based pedagogy trends that motivate me to think about how to make learning available, accessible and relevant to all students. Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about equitable access to science for all students. My teaching and research reflect a strong commitment to equity and diversity. I like to think of novel ways to make science meaningful, and I implement instruction based on the strengths and individual needs of my students. Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Be passionate about your dreams. The world is your oyster!

KRISTY TYSON, MBA ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE & MASTER OF ARTS IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM DIRECTOR

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HARLEEN SINGH, PH.D.

I teach business to help foster the imminent ethical change that is needed in the next generation of supervisors, managers, CEOs and leaders. — KRISTY TYSON, MBA

Kristy Tyson, MBA, is a Buffalo native and is currently a D.M. candidate in the doctor of management, organizational leadership program at the University of Phoenix. She is driven to inspire students, youth and the community to pursue academic, professional and personal excellence. To help empower others, Tyson has worked with organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Urban League and AmeriCorps. She also serves as a community liaison, advocate or board member for many non-profit community organizations, and is a racial healing circle facilitator for the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York.

The same can be said about relationships among businesses and communities. A business should be managed ethically and should promote social and civil justice.

My Values and How They Inform My Career: My approach to teaching is based on equity and inclusion. I infuse my life experiences into my teaching, and am always mindful of the real interests and struggles of students. I teach business to help foster the imminent ethical change that is needed in the next generation of supervisors, managers, CEOs and leaders.

two new visiting faculty members, who are bringing a rich array of professional experience to their instruction:

Advice I Wish to Pass on to Medaille Students: Stay motivated and engaged. If you are experiencing any barriers or challenges, remember you are not alone in your educational journey. All of the faculty, staff, administration and support services are here to assist you. Keep talking to people until you get the support or assistance you need. THE MEDAILLE COMMUNITY IS ALSO PLEASED TO WELCOME

Bella Poynton, M.F.A., Ph.D.c., Visiting Lecturer in English Valerie Bello, M.A., Visiting Assistant Professor of Communications/ Journalism

Something I Am Passionate About: I am passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility — the concern businesses have for the welfare of society. Any trust and cooperation between workers and managers must be based on fairness, honesty, openness and moral integrity.

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S K C I R E M AV S C I T E L AT H

E N O N O T D N SECO ts.com. edaillespor

e ates, visit m d p u m a e t and ricks news e v a M e r o For m

WITH MORE ATHLETIC TEAMS THAN ANY OTHER COLLEGE or university in the region and a state-of-the-art Sports Complex, Medaille’s commitment to student-athletes and their success is second to none.

Why athletics? Simply put, student-athletes are statistically proven to have high success rates, both in their sport and in the classroom, when it comes to GPA, retention and persistence to graduation. Medaille has a long tradition of commitment to Division III (DIII) athletics, and our Mavericks athletics programs consistently attract some of the best and brightest students from all around the country and the world, adding to the diversity of our campus community. That vision for being a premier competitor and a college of choice for student-athletes has only grown in recent years. The investment in the Medaille Sports Complex, along with the move to the Empire 8 Conference, underscore the College’s vision for the future.

Alumni & Friends of Medaille College Are Specially Invited to Join the

1ST A N N U A L M E D A I L L E AT H L E T I C S

Golf Tournament MONDAY JULY 18, 2022 Phase II Expansion of the Medaille Sports Complex Nearing completion as you read this, the second phase of development is set to add almost seven acres to the already robust site. Additions include home fields for baseball and softball, a second softball diamond, dugouts, batting cages, press boxes, scoreboards and a second multipurpose turf field for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. We look forward to the Phase II grand opening and softball home opener in March 2022! 14

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Move to Empire 8 Conference We are also excited to announce Medaille’s addition to the Empire 8 (E8) NCAA DIII Conference, effective beginning the 202223 academic year. Founded in 1998, the Empire 8 is one of the premier NCAA DIII athletic conferences, both on the field and in the classroom.

@ PENDLETON CREEK GOLF CLUB

View Tournament Itinerary, Sponsorship Opportunities and Registration Options at

bit.ly/MedailleGolf22

College Congrats to the Medaille

CLASS OF 2020 & 2021 Medaille honored the remarkable athletic careers of eight Mavericks by inducting them into the Medaille College Athletic Hall of Fame on October 23, 2021.

CLASS OF 2020: Erik Hartman ’07 A pivotal member of the men’s volleyball team from 2003 to 2006, Hartman led the program to its only North East Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) title and the national title game in 2004, when he was named the NECVA Tournament MVP. He finished his career ranked in the top 10 in seven different categories. Danielle Radlich Playing from 2006 to 2008, Radlich is one of the most decorated women’s soccer players in Medaille history. She led the team to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Tournament during all three years, and was in the national rankings in statistical categories each season. To date, she holds or shares 26 single game, single season and career records. Jennifer (Ratka) Bandelian ’00, ’02 Bandelian was one of Medaille’s true pioneers as a student-athlete, competing in women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, softball, women’s soccer and field hockey across the Mavericks’ first years of competition from 1996 to 2000. A four-year captain of the basketball team, she is currently ranked fifth all-time in scoring average and second in field goal percentage. Erik Saladin ’05 A baseball standout from 2002 to 2005, Saladin served as team captain for three years, and was voted the MVP for all four seasons. Having a rare blend of speed and power, he owned almost every single career record at the time of his graduation, and still holds school career records for on-base percentage, runs scored and stolen bases.

CLASS OF 2021: Ryan Mangano Throughout his career, Mangano was key to the success of the Mavericks men’s soccer team. In 2006, he led the entire nation in points per game and assists per game, and earned the 2006 AMCC Player of the Year title. He still leads the Mavericks in points per game and goals per game, and is ranked in the top 10 in 24 categories in single-season rankings. Kendell McFayden ’12 A pivotal member of the men’s soccer team, McFayden was named the 2009-10 Male Athlete of the Year. He helped the Mavericks reach the AMCC Championship all four years, capturing the AMCC Title in 2006, 2008 and 2009. He remains in the top 10 for Medaille records in goals in a career, assists, points and points per game, and went on to play professional soccer with multiple clubs, including FC Buffalo. James McNeil, Ph.D., ’08 A men’s basketball standout, Dr. McNeil amassed 1,501 points in his three seasons. To date, he holds the second spot in Medaille record books for most career points, is tied for first in three-point field goals made in a single game, and holds the top individual game records for field goals made and field goals attempted. Michelle (Peruzzini) O’Sullivan ’07 A softball standout and three-year member of the women’s volleyball team, O’Sullivan made her mark as a four-year starting pitcher. With the most appearances on the mound in Maverick history, she is the alltime career leader in appearances, completed games and innings pitched. In career all-time rankings, she is top 10 in 12 categories, and in single-season rankings, she is top 10 in 33 categories. Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

FIRST-GENERATION

PAYBACK SCHOLARSHIP Providing Life-Changing Opportunities to Parents of First-Generation Medaille Graduates B Y TA R A E RW I N

For recipients of Medaille College’s First-Generation Payback Scholarship, the gift of a college education is one that keeps on giving. Launched in 2019, the First-Generation Payback Scholarship program awards a free, full-tuition scholarship to the parents or guardians of first-generation Medaille graduates — that is, the people the student lists on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The program is the only one of its kind in the nation, and it was designed to recognize the support and sacrifice of parents or other family members who give so much so their children can go to college. Here, three Medaille parents-turned-students share their experiences in their own words, and they reflect on what the opportunity to earn a college degree has meant to them and their families.

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Thomas Sherlock ’21 PROGRAM: ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION My daughter Rhiannon earned her MBA from Medaille in 2019, as well as a master’s degree in psychology in 2020. She is currently working toward her doctorate in clinical psychology and is an adjunct professor at the College. She has always told me her connection to Medaille has been strong. When the First-Generation Payback Scholarship was offered, I saw an opportunity to polish my skills. Even though I had been enjoying success in the business world for the past 30-plus years, I knew there was room for improvement. As they say, knowledge is power. I looked forward to every class because each one was related to what I do, and all of them have had a positive effect on me, as a person, as well as my career. While taking classes and continuing to work, I was able to utilize many things we were learning in real time, which helped me gain skills above and beyond what I had learned by myself over the years. I plan to continue to develop as a professional while utilizing these skills. Medaille and all of its staff challenged me, as an adult learner, and those challenges made the learning process enjoyable. I am very appreciative of Medaille for this opportunity, and would recommend it to anyone seeking an education. The College offers a tremendous amount of personal support.

“

I looked forward to every class because each one was related to what I do, and all of them have had a positive effect on me, as a person, as well as my career. — THOMAS SHERLOCK ’21

Patricia Calandra ’21

PROGRAM: ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION My son Nick graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and he is currently the CEO and president for Hearts for the Homeless, a local nonprofit that provides meals, groceries and clothing to Western New York’s underserved population. Sending our first child off to college was easy with Medaille because everyone at the College was very welcoming to both parents and students alike. I heard about the First-Generation Payback Scholarship on the morning news. It got my attention, and by that afternoon, I was calling to ask questions. I received a call back almost immediately. As an adult learner, I have found the college experience is about taking direction, being accountable and realizing you do not always have to agree with what is asked of you. I can see where college prepares young students for life’s obstacles. At this point, I hope to continue to take classes that challenge me, and, in the end, I hope be able to leave my current job (which is a job) and work at a career until retirement. I am happy I will soon be working toward my bachelor’s degree, and I am grateful for all Medaille has given me and my family. I am proud to be a parent of a graduate — and a soon-to-be graduate myself!

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

“

Thomas Sherlock ’21 (left) is pictured with his daughter Rhiannon Needham ’19, ’20 (right).

Patricia Calandra ’21 (left) is pictured with her son Nicholas Calandra ’11 (right).

John Appenheimer PROGRAM: ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE IN GENERAL STUDIES EXPECTED GRADUATION: MAY 2022 Two of my three daughters are Medaille graduates — Stephanie graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and Gina graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. My experience as a parent of Medaille students was great. I loved that my daughters were able to learn in a safe environment, with a smaller teacher to student ratio. As a prospective student myself, Don Lando (assistant vice president for enrollment management) was very kind and helped me apply, and Jim Ayers (director of financial aid) worked with Stephanie to figure out the details of the new scholarship. My career goal is to continue down my current path. I am on the management team as a quality supervisor in a bakery ingredient company, and have been working there for over 39 years. What I am learning throughout my college years will last me the rest of my life. Medaille has been so kind to give me this opportunity to broaden my horizons. The education I am receiving has already changed the way I look at things and makes me think differently. At this point in my life, I did not realize I needed this, but I did. I am truly grateful.

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

— JOHN APPENHEIMER

John Appenheimer (far right) is pictured (left to right) with his daughter Gina Appenheimer ’21, his mother June Appenheimer and his daughter Stephanie Appenheimer ’17.

SECURE YOUR LEGACY When you include Medaille College in your estate plan, you are a change-maker who benefits Medaille students for generations to come.

medaille.edu/legacygiving or call Vice President for Institutional Advancement David Greenman at (716) 880-2879. If you have already remembered Medaille in your estate planning, please let us know, and thank you for your generous support toward empowering future leaders. Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

IM PORTRAIT BY NAOMI R. DEER

MPACT International Studies Major Mohamed Maalim Is Passionate About Helping Immigrant & Refugee Communities B Y TA R A E RW I N

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

talents to good use by serving his fellow immigrants in Western New York. “I am passionate about helping others,” he says. “That is where I find happiness and peace.”

PHOTO BY NAOMI R. DEER

T H RO U G H G I V I N G B AC K, SENIOR MOHAMED MAALIM is embodying Medaille’s core value of community every day. After coming to the United States with his parents as a child, as a refugee from Nairobi, Kenya, and growing up on Buffalo’s West Side, Maalim knows firsthand the rewards of hard work and perseverance. Moreover, he is already putting his education and

Maalim was drawn to Medaille before he even knew it was a college, finding the tranquility of the campus a welcome respite after playing soccer in Delaware

Park with his cousin. Now, he is majoring in international studies with concentrations in intercultural studies and international business, a decision that came from his lifelong interest in other cultures and people from around the world. He has worked at M&T Bank for the past five years as a banking service operations associate. After graduation, he hopes to expand his role there, incorporating more of his education and perhaps working on diversity and inclusion initiatives. “I want a career where I am helping communities, especially the youth and those from different countries,” says Maalim. He also dreams of having a global impact someday by building multiple businesses in Kenya, in order to develop economic opportunities for his homeland and create positive changes within those communities.

PHOTO BY NAOMI R. DEER

Mohamed Maalim is pictured with Medaille College President Dr. Kenneth Macur.

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

In the meantime, however, Maalim is starting on a more local level. He has worked to combine his desire to make a difference in his neighborhood with his wish to help others facing similar circumstances to what his family did when adapting to a new country. The result is Safari Taxes, LLC, which

I am passionate about

HELPING others. That is where I find

happiness & peace. provides low-cost tax services and other tools, such as translation and immigration assistance, to the refugee and immigrant communities in Buffalo. Maalim, who completed training years back to become certified as a New York State registered tax preparer, remembers his experiences acclimating to life in the U.S. He runs Safari Taxes with his childhood friends turned business partners, which helps set the tone for a customer experience steeped in empathy and compassion. “I always tell my partners that we are the sons of refugees and are the only hope for our parents and communities,” he says. “That is why we must strive to become successful in education and in life.” Maalim says Medaille is helping prepare him for the next phase of his life by offering both a quality education and opportunities for personal enrichment. “At Medaille, I have gotten to meet people from different backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective when it comes to diversity,” he says. “This has helped me develop my intercultural skills. I really love our College community and seeing the close, supportive relationships between students, staff and professors.”

He is also thankful for the support the City of Good Neighbors has shown him. His educational pursuits have been supported by Medaille’s Robert Nesslin Scholarship for nontraditional students — of which he is a past recipient — and the Say Yes Buffalo program.

have accomplished would be possible without their support.” Maalim holds his parents in high regard for their sacrifices to give him a better life in a new country.

“Ms. Michelle, Ms. Rachel and Ms. Brianne — I love those three a lot, and there are not enough words of appreciation or gratitude I can say to tell them how thankful I am,” he says. “But, what I can do for them is be the person they see me as and become successful.”

“I am on my way to becoming the first person in my family to get a four-year degree and the first to get a graduate degree,” he says, “but that is not the main reason I push myself. The number one reason is being born the son of two refugee parents who sacrificed everything for me and came to a country where they could not even speak the language. I consider myself to be the hope and light of my parents. If I fail, then their sacrifices will be in vain.”

Recognizing it takes a village, he credits his childhood friends and business partners, Abdikadir Iftin, Kaye Reh, Pheh Bu, Jumale Jumale, Yussuf Hussein and especially Elie Niyobuhungiro, with making him the civic-minded person he is today.

Even though Maalim’s accomplishments are already vast, despite humble beginnings, he takes nothing for granted and pays respect to all who have helped him along the way. As he looks toward the future, he knows a strong foundation is the key to success.

“I cannot tell my story without involving them,” he says. “As an old proverb states, ‘show me your friends and I will show you your character.’ My friends and family love to say I am a very kind person, but they do not realize I am kind because of them. None of the things I

“I want to continue making an impact in my community and across the world,” he says. “I am only one person, so I can never say I can change the world alone. But, what I can do is help those in need. Then, who knows, they might return the favor for someone else.”

Maalim speaks fondly about who he calls his advocates at the Say Yes to Education Program at Medaille:

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

Each day, there are opportunities to make a difference in our world and our communities. The Medaille College story is one that changes the trajectory of our students in empowering and life-changing ways, enriching their families, neighborhoods and surrounding regions. As demonstrated in the success stories and class notes throughout this magazine, thousands of Medaille graduates are making a substantial difference through their work and community involvement.

We invite you to help more Medaille students become the catalysts for change they are destined to be.

W H E N Y O U I N V E S T I N M E DA I L L E , Y O U H E L P : A future veterinary technician who will care for both domestic and farm animals A mental health counselor who provides services to underserved communities An entrepreneur whose business initiates local job creation A teacher who inspires the next generation of young minds A future lawyer studying juvenile and family justice to help victims of domestic abuse

t h o u sa n d s o f

outstanding

medaille students selflessly

·pa

y it· every day.

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

Will you?

“I love and give back to Medaille because

I believe my education truly prepared me for the realities and demands of being a teacher. The instructors at Medaille were a source of encouragement, guidance, strength, knowledge and dedication, and for this, I will be forever grateful to Medaille.”

— Marcia (Argenio) Hillock ’71 Sister Alice Huber Society Member

“I support Medaille College because of the

meaningful and inspirational experience I had pursuing my leadership education as a young professional. The insightful lessons I learned at Medaille have positively shaped the person I am today, both personally and professionally.”

— Natalie Sleap ’19 Alumni Association Board Member

•

N E W

•

initiative L A U N C H E D ! M E DA I L L E I S P RO U D TO A N N O U N C E a generous partnership with local Buffalo artist Hannah Taylor. As a thank you to the first 25 individuals who make an unrestricted leadership contribution of $1,500 or more to Medaille College, donors will receive a limited-edition, framed print of Taylor’s oil pastel painting, titled Open to Infinite Possibility. These exclusive prints will be signed and numbered by the artist, covered with glass and ready to hang in a lovely 16” x 20” gold frame.

“But for our philanthropy, and that of others

who recognize the value of education, many students would be unable to avail themselves of the Medaille experience. We strongly believe that we have an obligation to ‘pay it forward,’ for we, collectively, are changing lives.”

— Joyce and Stuart Angert, Loyal Donors

INVEST IN THE P OW E R O F E D U C AT I O N by making a gift today, and help our graduates launch meaningful careers that benefit our entire community, and beyond, for decades to come. G I V E N OW AT M E DA I L L E . E D U / G I V E or use the enclosed envelope to send a gift by mail.

TO RECEIVE YOUR LIMITED-EDITION PRINT, visit medaille.edu/give, or use the enclosed envelope to support Medaille College. You may also call Vice President for Institutional Advancement David Greenman at (716) 880-2879 for more information. (Please note: your IRS charitable gift deduction letter will allow for the $75 value of the print.) Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

Entre prene urial hustle MBA Alumnus Dr. Clement Kwakye ’13 Is Driven to Create a Brighter Future B Y TA R A E RW I N

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

PHOTO BY ANDREA SEELOFF Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

CLEMENT KWAKYE, PH.D., ’13 does not know what it is like to slow down. From the time he came to the United States from Ghana as a child, to his current full plate of career, volunteer and entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Kwakye has been on the go for as long as he can remember. “I am up at 5 a.m. every day,” he says. “I pray, meditate and exercise. Then it is off to work, which I am often doing until it is time to go to bed around 11 p.m., and that is often the pace seven days a week.” Always striving for more, Dr. Kwakye earned his master of business administration (MBA) degree from Medaille College in 2013 and his doctorate degree in leadership and policy from Niagara University in 2020.

His grandmother and mother instilled his gift for “the hustle” in him, as he put it. “My grandmother was still chopping wood at age 80 in Ghana,” he says. “My mother worked two or three jobs at a time so I could get my undergraduate degree with no debt. I hope to instill that work ethic in my own children.” It was Dr. Kwakye’s own experiences as a newcomer to the U.S. that inspired him to focus on Buffalo’s immigrant community, specifically through education and healthcare. For the past three years, he has been a board member at Health Sciences Charter School, which prepares high schoolers for careers in the healthcare industry. He has also served on the board for HEAL International, 28

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

a nonprofit started and managed by immigrants that helps new arrivals adapt to living in the U.S. after leaving regions of conflict and violence. From a professional standpoint, Dr. Kwakye currently serves as the director of operations for Queen City Physical Therapy and Greater Buffalo Accident & Injury Chiropractic, and previously served as the director of operations for the Community Health Center of Buffalo. In these roles, he has assisted with marketing, project management and operations services.

PHOTO BY ANDREA SEELOFF

Dr. Kwakye (center) is pictured with his oldest son Ramarey Wilson (left) and Benjamin Galligan (right) at CK Bottles 4 Bucks. Galligan is a high school student who was placed at CK Bottles 4 Bucks through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program.

He is also in the midst of his next adventure — launching and leading the Brighter Future Education Network, a nonprofit geared toward connecting immigrants with resources to help them gain post-secondary education. Again, the idea was sparked by his own experiences and studies. “When I was pursuing my undergraduate degree as an undocumented immigrant, I was afraid to talk to anyone about my status, so I did not know my educational rights or what resources were available,” he says. “It opened my eyes to how hard it can be for immigrants to receive a quality post-secondary education, no matter their documentation status.” COVID delayed the network’s debut, but Dr. Kwakye hopes to get it off the ground in 2022, first in Buffalo, and then in other cities across the state. “I want a safe place for immigrants to go as they, or their family members, pursue their degrees,” he says. “I aim to provide a holistic approach, with mentorship, case management and information on necessities like food and medical care. How can anyone concentrate on education if they do not have their basic needs met?” Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Kwakye is the owner and director of CK Bottles 4

Bucks, which provides bottle pickup and deposit redemption services, and strives to encourage people of all ages to recycle and play a role in making the planet sustainable and environmentally safe. “Recycling is important to keep the planet safe for future generations,” he says. “But, too often people do not return their bottles and cans because of transportation or scheduling issues. My business makes it as easy as possible with online scheduling and 24-hour

turnaround. This is definitely a case where every little bit helps.” Looking back, Dr. Kwakye credits the MBA program at Medaille for introducing him to the concept of teamwork, especially in a professional setting. “Our professors put students into a core model for our assignments, which was challenging for me at first because I am an introvert and am used to being independent,” he says. “But then I began to open up and see the value of working

with others and utilizing everyone’s strengths to complete a task. It is something that has helped me succeed in my career, as I have brought the concepts of leadership and inclusion into my various roles.” His goal-oriented outlook is fueled by where his American dream has taken him thus far. “Whenever someone tells me they want to pursue something but are afraid to try, my advice to them is ‘just do it,’” says

Dr. Kwakye. “I failed fifth grade when I first came to the U.S. because I could not speak English very well, and look at me now, blessed with a doctorate degree.” What has he learned along the way? “Of course there are going to be challenges and bumps in the road,” he says. “We all make mistakes. However, the important thing is to learn from our mistakes and use them as an opportunity to grow. Do not see challenges as a time to quit, but as motivation to keep pushing forward.”

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Congrats # MEDA I L L E

Medaille College is so proud of all of our alumni! We send our #MedailleCongrats to recognize the life achievements of these empowered individuals who embody Medaille’s mission of academic achievement, career success and civic engagement. Visit medaille.edu/congrats to learn more and submit your own class note.

Collin Gehl ’11 | p.33

The graduates highlighted here are just a small sample of recent alumni successes. Follow Medaille College on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to catch all #MedailleCongrats updates and to join the celebration of our Maverick community.

Christie Witt Berardi ’09 | p.32-33

Carlette Bradley ’13 | p.33

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Timothy J. Walsh ’85, ’02 | p.31

Business administration alumna Karen Brown, M.S., ’02 was appointed as director of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “My role is to be a champion for developing and implementing programs and initiatives that promote a thriving, diverse, informed and equitable region,” says Brown. “It is a pleasure to work at Buffalo Niagara Partnership, an organization that has been working since 1993 to make Buffalo Niagara a better place in which to do business.”

2002

Media communications and M.S.Ed. alumnus Timothy J. Walsh ’85, ’02 was appointed as executive director for enrollment marketing and digital strategy for the Daytona Beach, Florida; Prescott, Arizona; and worldwide campuses at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace.

First 2021 Women of Influence Award for her professional accomplishments and valuable contributions to the community. Galanis-Miller works as the director of sales for Sealing Devices Inc., a national rubber products manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Lancaster, New York.

1985

Media communication alumnus Michael Szykowny ’84 was featured in the Buffalo News for his work as the senior director of ESPN’s Creative Studio. Szykowny has been running ESPN's Motion Graphics and Production Planning group for the last 25 years, and he has won 10 national Sports Emmys.

and president of the Buffalo Broadcasters Association.

1994

1984

Brenda Alesii ’84 was appointed as government affairs director and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS (BNAR). Alesii will be responsible for continuing BNAR’s bi-partisan political advocacy on a local, state and national level, while protecting the rights of homeowners and advocating for lower taxes and improved services. She will also lead BNAR’s efforts in developing and executing proactive DEI initiatives and policies.

Communication alumna Heidi Raphael ’85 was named to the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Raphael serves as the chief communications officer at Beasley Media Group, and is a past chairwoman

Elizabeth Galanis-Miller ’01 was named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region. She was also selected to receive a Buffalo Business

Media communication alumna Darlene (Donohue) Wilber ’02 was promoted to director of communications, research & grants at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, a not-for-profit organization charged with the revitalization, development, promotion and management of Downtown Ithaca.

1996

Amanda Miller ’96 was hired as a candidate experience manager at Blue Signal Search. After running her own content-marketing and resume-writing business for 15 years, Miller is now building a similar business for the recruiting firm.

MBA alumna and Medaille College trustee Toni Vazquez ’02 was named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region. Vazquez serves as the chief systems officer for Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network.

2001

Communication alumna Eileen (Galbo) Buckley ’85 was named to the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Buckley’s career in media spans more than 35 years, and she currently works as a senior reporter at WKBW-TV. The entire group of 2021 inductees were celebrated in November at the Buffalo Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame Dinner.

Business administration alumna Dionne (McQuiller) Williamson ’94 was featured on WGRZ and in Buffalo Business First for her work as the founder and executive director of UPward Design for Life, a nonprofit organization with the goal of furnishing homes and transforming lives for those in need by collecting donations of gently used furniture, décor and household items.

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2008

Business administration alumna Amina Diallo, CPA, ’08 was promoted to audit manager at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP. In her role, Diallo works with exempt organizations and commercial businesses. She is active in the community, and serves as a board member for both the International Institute of Buffalo and Preventionfocus, Inc.

MBA alumna Cheryl McKeiver, Ph.D., ’05 was named executive director of the Flower City Arts Center in Rochester, New York. Dr. McKeiver’s professional experience encompasses decades of leadership roles in finance, operations management, academia and nonprofit organizations. Flower City Arts Center is a not-for-profit educational institution that educates, encourages and inspires community members of all ages to create and enjoy the visual arts. Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) alumnus and member of the Department of Business, Management & Leadership Advisory Board Larry Mietus ’05 authored and published “We Tried that Once” and Other Popular Excuses that Sabotage Business Success! The book, which addresses thirteen common excuses and offers action tips to achieve more success, is available for purchase on Amazon.

2006

MAOL alumna Nicole Viggiano ’06 was appointed as director of human resources for the Rochester City School District. MBA alumna and Medaille College trustee Brandye Merriweather ’07 was named president of Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, the City of Buffalo’s not-for-profit economic development agency. Merriweather is overseeing several initiatives to further Buffalo’s resurgence, and she was named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent

2007 Education alumnus Brian Muffoletto ’04, ’07 appeared on the “Christmas Cookie Challenge” show on the Food Network. Muffoletto is co-founder of The Bakers Men Buffalo, a home-based bakery business. He also works as a second grade teacher at Eggert Elementary School in the Orchard Park Central School District.

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Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region.

Jeannette Kreher ’08 was named “2021 Wellness Champion” by Buffalo Business First. As the organizational development project manager and a partner at Kreher Family Farms, Kreher leads the company’s human resource activities, wellness initiatives and the Kreher’s Cares Wellness Committee. Kreher Family Farms was also named the 2021 large business winner of the Buffalo Business First Western New York’s Healthiest Employers Award. MBA alumna Donna Mostiller ’08 was elected to the Board of Trustees for Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc., a nonprofit organization that strives to expand affordable housing opportunities throughout the region. Mostiller also serves as the director of human resources at Niagara University, and is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Buffalo. MBA alumna Donna (Brooks) Smith ’08 started her own premier virtual events business, Navy Social, due to the need for virtual social engagement between companies and their teams or customers amid COVID-19 shutdowns. Even with the reopening of brick and mortar businesses, Navy Social continues to bring together peers from across various regions through exciting, convenient and wide-reaching online events. Media communication alumna Christie Witt Berardi ’09 launched her own business, Witt CX, a boutique marketing strategy agency. In addition to leading Witt CX, she serves an adjunct professor at Medaille, and as a board member for both the Better Business

2009

2004

Stephanie (Skrobacz) Wilkinson, SHRM-CP, SPHR, PAFM, ’03, ’05 was promoted to chief operating officer at Lumsden McCormick, one of the largest locally owned certified public accounting firms in Western New York. In her role, Wilkinson is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the day-to-day activities of the firm, including administration, human resources, information technology, marketing, finance and facilities. She also serves as the financial vice president of the Junior League of Buffalo.

2005

2003

BBA and MBA alumna Allison DeHonney ’03, ’05 was featured in a Buffalo Business First article for her work as the CEO of Urban Fruits & Veggies LLC and its nonprofit sister, Buffalo Go Green. Urban Fruits & Veggies LLC is an urban agriculture business that supplies local restaurants through a city-based grow house. DeHonney uses Buffalo Go Green to focus on community wellness, fight food insecurity in Western New York, and provide services and training to underserved populations. She is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and previously spent 20 years in the finance and insurance industries.

Liberal studies graduate Amanda L. Catalano-Budde ’13 (pen name A. L. Graziadei) secured a book deal with Henry Holt and Co. / Macmillan Publishers for a young adult fiction novel titled Icebreaker. Scheduled to release on January 18, 2022, Icebreaker is available to preorder. Accounting alumna Maria (Casciano) Gullo ’14, ’15 was named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “30 Under 30” list, as someone who serves as a leader in her industry and community. Gullo works as a manager in the Healthcare Assurance and Advisory Practice at Freed Maxick CPAs, and is responsible for the planning, oversight and completion of client engagements in the health care and nonprofit industries. She is also a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation board member, and serves on the Medaille College Department of Business, Management & Leadership Advisory Board.

2011

MAOL alumnus Collin Gehl ’11 was appointed as the first human resources director for Say Yes Buffalo, an educationbased nonprofit that supports workforce development. He also serves as a board member for the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association, Just Buffalo Literary Center and Tapestry Charter School.

2012

Communication alumnus Doug Page ’12 was hired as university director of creative media & athletic marketing at Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee. In his role, Page is responsible for all aspects of marketing and promotion of the University’s NCAA sponsored sports. He is also in charge of all video content, branding and the athletic department’s social media platforms.

2013

MAOL alumna Carlette Bradley ’13 was selected to receive a Buffalo Business First 2021 Women of Influence Award for her professional accomplishments and valuable contributions to the

Marriage & family therapy and PsyD program alumna Dr. Wellsley Radecke ’14, ’21 joined ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy (AAPSA) as a clinical psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist. In her role at AAPSA, which serves the Greater Utica and Syracuse regions, Dr. Radecke conducts psychological evaluations and provides therapy services. Liberal studies alumna Valerie Wilson Johnson ’14 founded HEB Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit agency aimed at empowering individuals and families, during and following the pandemic, by providing assistance with obtaining affordable housing, employment, SNAP food benefits and educational workshops. MAOL alumna Lucia Rossi ’15 was named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” list. This annual honor recognizes Western New York professionals who are successful in

2015

BBA and MBA alumnus Shawn Loos, SHRM-CP, ’10, ’12 started a new position as senior talent acquisition specialist at Integer Holdings Corporation. Loos is a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certified professional, having demonstrated a mastery of HR proficiency standards. He also serves as parliamentarian on the Medaille College Alumni Association Board of Directors.

their careers and are heavily involved in community activities. Rossi works as the senior director of outpatient operations and employee health for Erie County Medical Center Corporation. MBA alumna Kimberly Baker ’16 started a new position as associate dean of instruction with Bryant & Stratton College Online. She has worked for the college for 15 years. “Earning my MBA at Medaille has helped me achieve career heights I could only dream of before,” says Baker.

2016

community. Bradley works as a learning and development consultant for Univera Healthcare and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

2014

2010

Bureau of Upstate New York and the Park School of Buffalo.

MAOL alumna Kimberly Brown ’16 was selected to receive a Buffalo Business First 2021 Women of Influence Award for her professional accomplishments and valuable contributions to the local community. She serves as the executive director for Community Access Services of Western New York. Senior Adjunct Professor and MBA alumnus Adam Lange ’16 was elected as President-Elect of PMI Buffalo for 2021. PMI Buffalo, the local chapter of the Project Management Institute, carries out a mission to promote project management in Western New York and help its 740 members further develop project management expertise. Lange’s role will also help further Medaille’s new partnership with PMI-Buffalo to act as its exclusive provider of project management certification training. MBA alumna Heather Loomis ’16 was named to the 2020 Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” list. The annual roster is

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

2017

Accounting program alumnus Sam Bloomberg ’17, ’18 started a new role as a certified public accountant & insurance representative at HD Financial Specialists. Bloomberg also gives back to the Medaille community as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

BBA and MAOL alumna Bobbie Lynn Binner ’18, ’19 began a new position as practice manager at Associated Physicians of Western New York P.C. Binner brings several years of experience in the health care industry to the role, including experience in practice management, human resources, quality improvement initiatives, medical billing and coding procedures.

MAOL alumnus Mark Wheeler ’16 was recognized by Buffalo Business First for “Excellence in Health Care” for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wheeler serves as the administrator of Father Baker Manor, St. Joseph PostAcute Center and St. Francis Park, which are all part of Catholic Health. During the pandemic, he put his leadership skills to action and inspired his team of over 250 clinical and support staff to work together and generate creative solutions.

Medaille Magazine • Winter 2022

Psychology alumna Titiana Carmichael ’18, ’20 started a new position as care manager II for a BestSelf Behavioral Health Adult Health Home. Carmichael previously worked for OLV Human Services, providing direct care and management.

2019

Communication program alumnus Cole Johnson ’19 was hired as the morning producer/anchor for NBC affiliate KYMA-TV News 11 and KECY FOX 9 in Yuma, Arizona. Johnson earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees back to back, as part of the dual degree program developed from the partnership between Medaille College and the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Accounting alumnus Nicholas Shantler ’20, ’21 started as a staff accountant in the audit department at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, one of the largest locally owned certified public accounting firms in Western New York.

2020

Communication alumna Taisha St Jean ’16 was promoted to deputy chief of staff for Buffalo Common Council. Before her promotion, St Jean served as the Buffalo Common Council communications director. She also works as an adjunct professor at Medaille. Earlier in 2021, she was recognized as the honoree for Excellence in Education, Entrepreneurship & Executive Administration by the Academy of Excellence Inc., and was formally presented with the award at the academy’s Virtual Women’s & Young Ladies Legacy Luncheon in April.

Former Mavericks men’s basketball standout and criminal justice alumnus Jonathan Smith ’20 was selected by the MidCoast Sternmen as the 19th overall pick in the first round of the Pro Basketball Association (PBA) draft. Smith is playing for the Sternmen, a team based in the PBA Eastern Conference Northeast Division in the mid-coast region of Maine. MBA alumna Jessica Tuttle ’20 was hired as a consulting administrator at RDG+Partners, an accounting and CPA services firm committed to providing boutique level accounting, tax and business consulting services to the Rochester community. Communication alumnus Dean Adams ’21 was hired as the assistant athletic director for business operations at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. During his years at Medaille, Adams worked as the student manager for the Mavericks men’s basketball team, assisting the coaching staff in day-to-day operations, maintaining team statistics and often serving as the public announcer for games.

2021

M.A. in psychology and PsyD alumna Dr. Christine Titus ’17, ’20 was hired as a psychologist and instructor at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Dr. Titus specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions and forensic assessment. She provides individual, couples/marital and group therapies, as well as psychological assessments for adults.

2018

meant to honor Western New Yorkers who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community. Loomis works as the director of acute care operations at Catholic Health, and she has worked closely with hospital leaders to help them manage and maintain operational performance in these turbulent times.

Sport management alumna Ariah Haeick ’21 started as game presentation assistant with the Buffalo Sabres. In her role, Haeick assists with game day operations for the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandit games, and she helps coordinate intermission games, Sabretooth appearances and other fan engagement activities to make sure the game day experience is as great as possible for fans. “I want to thank everyone at Medaille for helping me get here,” says Haeick. “It would not have been possible without the guidance and support of everyone at the College.”

Elementary education alumna Maggie Wilcox Bristol, Ed.D., ’06 and her husband Jeremy welcomed their second child. Their daughter Madison Anne was born on July 3, 2020, and she joins her big brother Jack.

Business administration alumnus Nicholas Calandra ’11 and wife Christine Calandra welcomed their second son. Fitzgerald Michael Calandra was born on June 17, 2021, and joins big brother Theodore.

Criminal justice alumna Erin (Rollins) Goldwater ’15 and accounting alumnus Matthew Goldwater ’15 celebrated the birth of their son. Liam Hayes Goldwater was born on November 1, 2020.

Milestones MAVER ICK

Sport management alumnus Rich Seeger Jr. ’07 and his wife Stephanie Seeger welcomed triplets. Annistyn, Lawson and Trenton were born on June 11, 2021.

Media communication alumnus Charles Killian ’08 married Maggie (Fage) Killian. The couple wed on July 24, 2021, at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church in Kenmore — long-awaited, after COVID-related delays. They honeymooned in Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii, in August.

Business administration alumna TJ (Kaur) Kennedy ’12 and her husband Cody welcomed a daughter. Meilani Teagan Kennedy was born on June 12, 2021, and she joins big brother Connor.

Accounting alumna Colleen (Wagner) Bartlett ’14, ’15 and her husband Paul Bartlett welcomed a son. Jason Bartlett was born on August 3, 2021.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: COMMEMORATING MEDAILLE COLLEGE’S RICH HISTORY Medaille: The College on Flint Hill, written by Former Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students and Adjunct Professor of History Richard Herdlein, Ph.D., celebrates the rich history of Medaille College. The book is available for purchase at the College Store in the Buffalo campus Sullivan Center, or it is available to order online at bit.ly/MedailleHistory.

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